Press Report

Press Report

FF/LNNK will make use of its Constitutional rights and will either announce a referendum on amendments to the Election Law or turn to the Constitutional Court, Saeima Legal Commission Chairman Dzintars Rasnacs from FF/LNNK said yesterday in a political discussion on "Radio Briva Eiropa". Rasnacs stressed that "no uncles or other (com)missioners can tell a state official what to do," commenting on the question how his party would react if Minister of Defence Girts Valdis Kristovskis faced an option - whether to lift language norms for deputies or risk remaining outside NATO. Rasnacs pledged that TB/LNNK would call on Latvian citizens to decide on the amendments to the Election Law by a general vote. TB/LNNK Saeima faction deputy, TB/LNNK board member Juris Dobelis confirmed to LETA that the possibility of announcing of the referendum was considered within the party and admitted that the referendum should be carried out along with Saeima elections. Whereas TB/LNNK faction head, Vents Balodis, stressed that deputies have not yet officially discussed the possibility of a referendum. During the 5th congress of TB/LNNK, a statement was passed saying that the existing limitations are substantiated. The referendum could be backed also by Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP), as the faction head, Egils Baldzens told LETA that Social Democrats would support the proposal for a referendum if TB/LNNK officially comes out with a proposal. As reported, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga recently suggested amending the Election Law in order to lift the requirement set for deputy nominees that they must have Latvian language knowledge at the highest level. This provided that the use of the state language is guaranteed by other laws. Atis Lejins, the director of the Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, admitted that it would be better for the language norms in the Election Law to be amended in a "more peaceful atmosphere" - after next year's 8th Saeima elections, when Latvia is a European Union (EU) and NATO member state and would feel safer.

FF/LNNK will make use of its Constitutional rights and will either announce a referendum on amendments to the Election Law or turn to the Constitutional Court, Saeima Legal Commission Chairman Dzintars Rasnacs from FF/LNNK said yesterday in a political discussion on "Radio Briva Eiropa". Rasnacs stressed that "no uncles or other (com)missioners can tell a state official what to do," commenting on the question how his party would react if Minister of Defence Girts Valdis Kristovskis faced an option - whether to lift language norms for deputies or risk remaining outside NATO. Rasnacs pledged that TB/LNNK would call on Latvian citizens to decide on the amendments to the Election Law by a general vote. TB/LNNK Saeima faction deputy, TB/LNNK board member Juris Dobelis confirmed to LETA that the possibility of announcing of the referendum was considered within the party and admitted that the referendum should be carried out along with Saeima elections. Whereas TB/LNNK faction head, Vents Balodis, stressed that deputies have not yet officially discussed the possibility of a referendum. During the 5th congress of TB/LNNK, a statement was passed saying that the existing limitations are substantiated. The referendum could be backed also by Latvian Social Democratic Workers Party (LSDSP), as the faction head, Egils Baldzens told LETA that Social Democrats would support the proposal for a referendum if TB/LNNK officially comes out with a proposal. As reported, President Vaira Vike-Freiberga recently suggested amending the Election Law in order to lift the requirement set for deputy nominees that they must have Latvian language knowledge at the highest level. This provided that the use of the state language is guaranteed by other laws. Atis Lejins, the director of the Latvian Foreign Policy Institute, admitted that it would be better for the language norms in the Election Law to be amended in a "more peaceful atmosphere" - after next year's 8th Saeima elections, when Latvia is a European Union (EU) and NATO member state and would feel safer. Diena, Vesti Segodnja, Chas

Jauna

gives its interpretation about the situation around language requirements to election candidates. In its view, Europe and the OSCE ask to remove language requirements due to pragmatic considerations: it would not be profitable for the EU to have one more working official language when Latvia becomes the member of the EU. gives its interpretation about the situation around language requirements to election candidates. In its view, Europe and the OSCE ask to remove language requirements due to pragmatic considerations: it would not be profitable for the EU to have one more working official language when Latvia becomes the member of the EU.

Rîgas Balss

editorial is about the closure of the Mission editorial is about the closure of the Mission. Rigas Balss. Rigas Balss editor-in-chief Anita Daukste thinks that commitment to remove language requirement for election candidates is too high price for the closure of the Mission and hopes that Europe will be able to see the real picture of human rights issues in Latvia. editor-in-chief Anita Daukste thinks that commitment to remove language requirement for election candidates is too high price for the closure of the Mission and hopes that Europe will be able to see the real picture of human rights issues in Latvia.

Vesti Segodnja

informs that yesterday at Russian Embassy Russian diplomats met with Latvian journalists. informs that yesterday at Russian Embassy Russian diplomats met with Latvian journalists.

Chas

editorial is about recent trends in language policy. L.Fedoseyev refers to Article 18 of Saeima Rules of Order which provides for that MP can be excluded from the Parliament if it is established that s/he lacks language skills on the required level. The author concludes that the Article should be removed. editorial is about recent trends in language policy. L.Fedoseyev refers to Article 18 of Saeima Rules of Order which provides for that MP can be excluded from the Parliament if it is established that s/he lacks language skills on the required level. The author concludes that the Article should be removed.

Latvijas Vestnesis

publishes the printed version of Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins interview for the National Television channel. When asked about the OSCE, he says, language requirement and the OSCE are not interlinked issues. The OSCE Mission is out of Latvia and that is a good sign. If we talk about the language, of course, it should be protected through legislation. But if you have objections towards a person, then do not vote for him/her. publishes the printed version of Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins’ interview for the National Television channel. When asked about the OSCE, he says, “language requirement and the OSCE are not interlinked issues. The OSCE Mission is out of Latvia and that is a good sign. If we talk about the language, of course, it should be protected through legislation. But if you have objections towards a person, then do not vote for him/her”.

Press Report

Press Report

The United States administration and the European Commission hail the announcement about closure of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia at the end of this year as it believes the mission guidelines have been fulfilled. The US administration nevertheless will continue following developments in the human rights sphere in Latvia after the mission is closed, the information office said. While noting that international community will not cease to be interested in development in Latvia the statement says amending of electoral legislation to remove language requirements for candidates for the parliament would be particularly beneficial for Latvia.

The United States administration and the European Commission hail the announcement about closure of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia at the end of this year as it believes the mission guidelines have been fulfilled. The US administration nevertheless will continue following developments in the human rights sphere in Latvia after the mission is closed, the information office said. While noting that international community will not cease to be interested in development in Latvia the statement says amending of electoral legislation to remove language requirements for candidates for the parliament would be particularly beneficial for Latvia. Diena, Neatkariga, Panorama Latvii, Latvijas Vestnesis

Dienas

correspondent from Brussels writes about the regulations on the language usage in the elected bodies of other countries. She writes that only the countries of Central Europe that have similar historical background with Latvia have this issue as a problem. She names Slovakia as the only country that regulates the language usage in the Parliament through the Election Law. K.Plamse also mentions the situation regarding language usage in the elected bodies in Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, France and Canada. correspondent from Brussels writes about the regulations on the language usage in the elected bodies of other countries. She writes that only the countries of Central Europe that have similar historical background with Latvia have this issue as a problem. She names Slovakia as the only country that regulates the language usage in the Parliament through the Election Law. K.Plamse also mentions the situation regarding language usage in the elected bodies in Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, France and Canada.

Neatkarigas

editorial is about the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The contributor writes that, in fact Missions closure will not put the end to speculations around language requirements for election candidates provided for by the Election Law and Latvia will experience even more pressure in this field because to the desired NATO membership. The author concludes that yielding of Latvian politicians to the international pressure to remove language requirements is frightening. editorial is about the closure of the OSCE Mission to Latvia. The contributor writes that, in fact Mission’s closure will not put the end to speculations around language requirements for election candidates provided for by the Election Law and Latvia will experience even more pressure in this field because to the desired NATO membership. The author concludes that yielding of Latvian politicians to the international pressure to remove language requirements is frightening. Prime Minister Andris Berzins backs lifting requirements for Latvian language skills in the Election Law. During the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors abroad in Riga today, the premier pointed out that currently no specific document or proposals have been handed in pertaining to this issue. The premier stressed that the Latvian language must be protected at the same time the Election Law is to be amended but methods re to be found for protecting the language. Berzins expressed hope that the issue could be tackled by making joint efforts but declined to comment on possible co-operation of the ruling coalition. 2001 undoubtedly was a year of success in foreign policy for Latvia and now the state is close to the European Union (EU) and NATO in completing the task for attaining priorities in foreign policy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins believes. In addressing Latvian ambassadors abroad during the annual meeting today, the foreign minister stressed that "good work is not only to be produced but also sold" and this year the ambassadors have succeeded in doing this. Regarding Latvia's move to NATO, the minister pointed out that Latvia's position has changed radically over the year. A year ago, the possibility of joining the alliance was discussed but now - the size of the NATO expansion wave. I. Berzins pointed to technical work for next year to become NATO member state. The foreign minister set four key tasks for Latvia’s move to NATO - firstly, participation in combating of terrorism, both in domestic and in foreign policy. Secondly, Latvia must be a democratic country, pointing to the necessity of amendments to the Election Law excluding the language norm for deputies and looking for other measures of language protection. Thirdly, the "issue of history" is very important for Latvia because there are countries where 5,000 neo-Nazis can exist and receive no international protests while Latvia "will be reprimanded if about ten old men place flowers at the monument." Fourthly, the people should back Latvia’s move to NATO and the minister called on the ambassadors to meet with the people and the mass media in order to explain their stance pertaining to foreign policy priorities. Among the achievements, Berzins noted Latvia’s presidency on the Council of Europe (CE), closing of CE monitoring and decision to close the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia. The minister stressed that bilateral relations with neighbouring countries are as significant as foreign policy priorities. Berzins referred to Latvian-Russian relations as good "because they could have been worse". The minister admitted that there is still much to do in improving relations with Russia.

Prime Minister Andris Berzins backs lifting requirements for Latvian language skills in the Election Law. During the annual meeting of Latvian ambassadors abroad in Riga today, the premier pointed out that currently no specific document or proposals have been handed in pertaining to this issue. The premier stressed that the Latvian language must be protected at the same time the Election Law is to be amended but methods re to be found for protecting the language. Berzins expressed hope that the issue could be tackled by making joint efforts but declined to comment on possible co-operation of the ruling coalition. 2001 undoubtedly was a year of success in foreign policy for Latvia and now the state is close to the European Union (EU) and NATO in completing the task for attaining priorities in foreign policy, Minister of Foreign Affairs Indulis Berzins believes. In addressing Latvian ambassadors abroad during the annual meeting today, the foreign minister stressed that "good work is not only to be produced but also sold" and this year the ambassadors have succeeded in doing this. Regarding Latvia's move to NATO, the minister pointed out that Latvia's position has changed radically over the year. A year ago, the possibility of joining the alliance was discussed but now - the size of the NATO expansion wave. I. Berzins pointed to technical work for next year to become NATO member state. The foreign minister set four key tasks for Latvias move to NATO - firstly, participation in combating of terrorism, both in domestic and in foreign policy. Secondly, Latvia must be a democratic country, pointing to the necessity of amendments to the Election Law excluding the language norm for deputies and looking for other measures of language protection. Thirdly, the "issue of history" is very important for Latvia because there are countries where 5,000 neo-Nazis can exist and receive no international protests while Latvia "will be reprimanded if about ten old men place flowers at the monument." Fourthly, the people should back Latvias move to NATO and the minister called on the ambassadors to meet with the people and the mass media in order to explain their stance pertaining to foreign policy priorities. Among the achievements, Berzins noted Latvias presidency on the Council of Europe (CE), closing of CE monitoring and decision to close the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) mission in Latvia. The minister stressed that bilateral relations with neighbouring countries are as significant as foreign policy priorities. Berzins referred to Latvian-Russian relations as good "because they could have been worse". The minister admitted that there is still much to do in improving relations with Russia. Lauku Avize, Vesti Segodnja, Chas, Telegraf, Latvijas Vestnesis

Lauku Avize writes that if the State President submits the Parliament the draft to remove the language requirements for election candidates now it would not receive the support of the Parliament. The newspaper gives the stance and views on the issue of all Saeima parties.

Lauku Avize writes that if the State President submits the Parliament the draft to remove the language requirements for election candidates now it would not receive the support of the Parliament. The newspaper gives the stance and views on the issue of all Saeima parties.

Full coverage of the article in English will be attached.

Press Report

Press Report

The OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Tuesday resolved to close the organisation’s mission in Latvia reported a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Thus, the OSCE mission will cease its operations in Latvia as of Jan. 1, 2002. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, reported to the organisation’s Permanent Council on Latvia's achievements in building a democratic and integrated community -- smooth naturalisation process, successful implementation of the national program for Latvian language teaching, opening of the Public Integration Fund, improved performance by the National Human Rights Office. Semneby praised very much Latvian president's initiative to abolish the state language proficiency requirements to candidates, amending the election law. He concludes that Latvia has formed a stable civic society taking active part in political processes. The OSCE mission to Latvia head recommended the organisation’s leaders and member states to declare the mission's work as complete. Most of the member states agreed with Semneby's opinion on the situation in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry believes that the OSCE decision on closing the mission is a very high evaluation of Latvia's progress in human right protection since opening of the mission in 1993. Over these years the OSCE mission according to its mandate had helped Latvia to create democratic legislation on citizenship and to facilitate naturalisation process as well as followed development of integration, education and language policies in the Baltic state. Successful end of the OSCE mission is yet another confirmation of Latvia's laws and their implementation meeting international standards. It also shows Latvia is ready to become a full-fledged member in unions of democratic nations -- NATO and the European Union, said the Latvian Foreign Ministry. After the OSCE mission closes down, Latvia will continue to take active part in OSCE work, co-operate closely with high commissioner for ethnic minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and other units of the Organization towards further improvement of its human right protection and promotion mechanisms. Latvian top officials -- President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins and foreign minister Indulis Berzins -- previously expressed conviction that the OSCE mission in Latvia has fulfilled guidelines under its mandate. Russia was opposing the mission's closure. Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov in his statement to OSCE members on Dec. 2 tried to object to the plans to close the organisation’s mission in Latvia and Estonia, saying the two Baltic states have so far failed to deliver on their promise to protect local ethnic Russians against discrimination.

The OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on Tuesday resolved to close the organisations mission in Latvia reported a spokesman for the Latvian Foreign Ministry. Thus, the OSCE mission will cease its operations in Latvia as of Jan. 1, 2002. OSCE mission to Latvia head, Peter Semneby, reported to the organisations Permanent Council on Latvia's achievements in building a democratic and integrated community -- smooth naturalisation process, successful implementation of the national program for Latvian language teaching, opening of the Public Integration Fund, improved performance by the National Human Rights Office. Semneby praised very much Latvian president's initiative to abolish the state language proficiency requirements to candidates, amending the election law. He concludes that Latvia has formed a stable civic society taking active part in political processes. The OSCE mission to Latvia head recommended the organisations leaders and member states to declare the mission's work as complete. Most of the member states agreed with Semneby's opinion on the situation in Latvia. Latvian Foreign Ministry believes that the OSCE decision on closing the mission is a very high evaluation of Latvia's progress in human right protection since opening of the mission in 1993. Over these years the OSCE mission according to its mandate had helped Latvia to create democratic legislation on citizenship and to facilitate naturalisation process as well as followed development of integration, education and language policies in the Baltic state. Successful end of the OSCE mission is yet another confirmation of Latvia's laws and their implementation meeting international standards. It also shows Latvia is ready to become a full-fledged member in unions of democratic nations -- NATO and the European Union, said the Latvian Foreign Ministry. After the OSCE mission closes down, Latvia will continue to take active part in OSCE work, co-operate closely with high commissioner for ethnic minorities, the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights and other units of the Organization towards further improvement of its human right protection and promotion mechanisms. Latvian top officials -- President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, Prime Minister Andris Berzins and foreign minister Indulis Berzins -- previously expressed conviction that the OSCE mission in Latvia has fulfilled guidelines under its mandate. Russia was opposing the mission's closure. Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov in his statement to OSCE members on Dec. 2 tried to object to the plans to close the organisations mission in Latvia and Estonia, saying the two Baltic states have so far failed to deliver on their promise to protect local ethnic Russians against discrimination. BNS, Diena, Neatkariga, Latvijas Vestnesis, Chas,

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga welcomes the OSCE decision not to extend the mandate of its mission to Latvia and sees it as a proof to Latvia's consistent movement towards strengthening democratic processes in the country. Latvian president said the OSCE decision to close mission to Latvia was a proof of Latvia as a democratic state as well as of good co-operation between the Baltic state and OSCE "crowned with success" - the mission's closure, reported the presidential spokeswoman. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins sees the OSCE decision as "a certain confirmation of maturity as in future Latvia will deal with its problems by itself," said the premier's spokesman. Berzins said "without doubt, it was not a surprise decision -- it was a predictable outcome," and Latvia did everything to make it happen, according to the premier's spokesman. Both the Latvian president and Prime Minister said the mission's closure did not mean an end to co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga welcomes the OSCE decision not to extend the mandate of its mission to Latvia and sees it as a proof to Latvia's consistent movement towards strengthening democratic processes in the country. Latvian president said the OSCE decision to close mission to Latvia was a proof of Latvia as a democratic state as well as of good co-operation between the Baltic state and OSCE "crowned with success" - the mission's closure, reported the presidential spokeswoman. Latvian Prime Minister Andris Berzins sees the OSCE decision as "a certain confirmation of maturity as in future Latvia will deal with its problems by itself," said the premier's spokesman. Berzins said "without doubt, it was not a surprise decision -- it was a predictable outcome," and Latvia did everything to make it happen, according to the premier's spokesman. Both the Latvian president and Prime Minister said the mission's closure did not mean an end to co-operation between Latvia and the OSCE. BNS

Although Russia is not in ruptures about Latvia's possible membership in NATO, Latvia cannot give up this foreign policy goal for raid improvement of relations with Russia, said Latvian foreign minister. Foreign minister Indulis Berzins on Tuesday made this statement to reporters, suggesting that current Latvian-Russian relations should nevertheless be seen as successful for the situation could have been worse.

Although Russia is not in ruptures about Latvia's possible membership in NATO, Latvia cannot give up this foreign policy goal for raid improvement of relations with Russia, said Latvian foreign minister. Foreign minister Indulis Berzins on Tuesday made this statement to reporters, suggesting that current Latvian-Russian relations should nevertheless be seen as successful for the situation could have been worse. BNS

The decision to close the mission in Latvia was timely and correct and confirms Latvia's success, the President of U.S. Committee on NATO, Bruce Jackson, stressed in commenting the OSCE decision made yesterday in Vienna.

The decision to close the mission in Latvia was timely and correct and confirms Latvia's success, the President of U.S. Committee on NATO, Bruce Jackson, stressed in commenting the OSCE decision made yesterday in Vienna. LETA

Aivars Ozolins points out in his commentary in

Aivars Ozolins points out in his commentary in Diena that the decision to close the OSCE Mission to Latvia means that Latvia in principle is a democratic country where human and national minority rights are observed, but compliance with the guidelines does not mean that Latvia is an ideal state. And the decision on closing the mission became possible thanks to the initiative of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election laws. Now the situation becomes paradoxical because this demand by closing the Mission is not abolished but becomes even more important. The decision to invite Latvia to join NATO could be directly related to the Election Law amendments, which should be adopted by May, when the NATO summit on expansion will take place. Diena

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvia this year is as close to EU and NATO as never before and therefore one may conclude that it was a successful year for Latvian foreign policy. Although there is not planned a referendum on Latvia’s joining NATO, the Saeima election scheduled for autumn could turn into an indirect referendum where citizens of Latvia will decide whether the state continues its foreign policy and moves towards NATO or gives up this idea. The Minister expressed a hope that the political parties, which will come to power, will not change the established goals of Latvian foreign policy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins thinks that Latvia this year is as close to EU and NATO as never before and therefore one may conclude that it was a successful year for Latvian foreign policy. Although there is not planned a referendum on Latvias joining NATO, the Saeima election scheduled for autumn could turn into an indirect referendum where citizens of Latvia will decide whether the state continues its foreign policy and moves towards NATO or gives up this idea. The Minister expressed a hope that the political parties, which will come to power, will not change the established goals of Latvian foreign policy. Diena

One of demands of international organisations for Latvia to join EU and NATO is to reduce the high number of non-citizens. International experts suggested that it could be achieved by active informing of this part of population about naturalisation and the priorities of being a citizen. Therefore the Naturalisation Board has started a wide information campaign to inform non-citizens. Ilona Stalidzane is the Acting Head of NB Information Centre and co-ordinates this campaign. She told

One of demands of international organisations for Latvia to join EU and NATO is to reduce the high number of non-citizens. International experts suggested that it could be achieved by active informing of this part of population about naturalisation and the priorities of being a citizen. Therefore the Naturalisation Board has started a wide information campaign to inform non-citizens. Ilona Stalidzane is the Acting Head of NB Information Centre and co-ordinates this campaign. She told Diena journalist about the campaign, saying that this day was the last day when they put up an information tent is some Latvian town. During one month of this campaign about 1000 people came to those tents for information. Ms.Stalidzane hopes that there will still be a possibility to return to the tents next spring or autumn when weather is better for providers and recipients of this information. The next planned step is to send 100000 information booklets to non-citizens. Some people in the press accused the Naturalisation Board of a national treason because NB had been driving to citizenship people disloyal to the state. Ms.Stalidzane explains that they are not forcing anybody, just informing about the existing possibilities. Diena

In an interview to the Latvian Radio the Saeima Foreign Affairs leader G.Krasts when asked which was the institution that demanded Latvia to amend its election laws answered that although there was a remark in the OSCE Mission’s mandate stating that a demand for a state language proficiency in the election laws should not be there according to the practice of democratic countries, but in the case of Latvia this demand was not strictly formulated. And this demand is in no way linked with the OSCE but with NATO. The link is that those OSCE member states, which are also NATO member states, when considering some OSCE objections against Latvia as an undemocratic country, could object also to accepting Latvia to NATO. His colleague R.Labanovskis objected to this saying that not always NATO had so strict saying. Most likely Latvia will have to do it in the future, but the situation here is different from the one in GB, Denmark or France, and these standards may not be automatically transferred to Latvian situation. G.Krasts pointed out that in the Mission’s mandate not deadline was given for this task, just a statement that it should be solved, because OSCE representatives understood that situation in Latvia was different from the one in Estonia. Only after the events of September 11 the situation changed, and they started to request Latvia to do the same as Estonia – to act now.

In an interview to the Latvian Radio the Saeima Foreign Affairs leader G.Krasts when asked which was the institution that demanded Latvia to amend its election laws answered that although there was a remark in the OSCE Missions mandate stating that a demand for a state language proficiency in the election laws should not be there according to the practice of democratic countries, but in the case of Latvia this demand was not strictly formulated. And this demand is in no way linked with the OSCE but with NATO. The link is that those OSCE member states, which are also NATO member states, when considering some OSCE objections against Latvia as an undemocratic country, could object also to accepting Latvia to NATO. His colleague R.Labanovskis objected to this saying that not always NATO had so strict saying. Most likely Latvia will have to do it in the future, but the situation here is different from the one in GB, Denmark or France, and these standards may not be automatically transferred to Latvian situation. G.Krasts pointed out that in the Missions mandate not deadline was given for this task, just a statement that it should be solved, because OSCE representatives understood that situation in Latvia was different from the one in Estonia. Only after the events of September 11 the situation changed, and they started to request Latvia to do the same as Estonia – to act now. Latvijas Vestnesis

Last Wednesday took place the first press conference of the Society Integration Foundation Council and its Secretariat about the council sitting of November 1 when they considered the issue of establishing priorities and criteria according which projects included in the Society Integration Program would be financially supported. Council Chairman R.Umblija pointed out that they had established the following criteria: project’s goal and tasks should correspond to the basic guidelines of the Program, project’s target group should be as large as possible, project should be included in the chapter A (started projects) or B (planned projects) of the national program “Society Integration in Latvia”; results of project implementation should reach the goals and tasks established in several chapters of the Program. The Chairman said that the currently supported projects could be divided into 2 large groups – social integration projects (about 54%) and ethnic integration projects that in their turn were decided into 3 subgroups: language projects (74%), culture – 22% and other projects – about 4%.

Last Wednesday took place the first press conference of the Society Integration Foundation Council and its Secretariat about the council sitting of November 1 when they considered the issue of establishing priorities and criteria according which projects included in the Society Integration Program would be financially supported. Council Chairman R.Umblija pointed out that they had established the following criteria: projects goal and tasks should correspond to the basic guidelines of the Program, projects target group should be as large as possible, project should be included in the chapter A (started projects) or B (planned projects) of the national program Society Integration in Latvia; results of project implementation should reach the goals and tasks established in several chapters of the Program. The Chairman said that the currently supported projects could be divided into 2 large groups – social integration projects (about 54%) and ethnic integration projects that in their turn were decided into 3 subgroups: language projects (74%), culture – 22% and other projects – about 4%. Latvijas Vestnesis

N.Lebedeva in

N.Lebedeva in Chas noticed the enthusiastic reaction of Latvian top authorities on the decision to close the OSCE Mission to Latvia. Minister of Foreign Affairs I.Berzins including. When the Minister was asked what would happen in the deputies did not amend the election laws, he answered that in the guidelines the task had been stated in a different way - To carry on a dialog with the OSCE High Commissioner on National Affairs on amending the election law. And we have always been maintaining a dialog with him and will continue in the future. When Chas still insisted on this question, Mr.Berzins assured that deputies would support amending because it did not make any sense; Latvia had another means to protect the Latvian language. As if opposing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, MP R.Labanovskis considers that the Mission had fulfilled its guidelines (all experts agreed on that). Mr.Leja said that when HCNM Max van der Stoel came here, this issue had not been raised, and the deputies would not agree to these amendments just like that. Latvian Prime Minister has stated that amending of the election law depends on the decision on Podkolzinas case in the European Court, but he has forgotten that laws are adopted by the parliament, not the government. It seems that Minister of Foreign Affairs will have to write an explanation note for the High Commissioner, concludes Ms.Lebedeva

Press Report

Press Report

Latvia risks NATO by ignoring OSCE recommendations. The controversial state language proficiency requirement for Saeima deputy candidates should be lifted because the President’s special expert group has delved into the Constitution, the Saeima Rules of Order and the Administrative Violations Code and come to the conclusion that status of the Latvian language as the official language in Latvia can be retained without any restrictions in the Election Law. There are problems, however, in putting the law into practice. Therefore, the experts are preparing recommendations by January 7. They also asked the State Language Center to prepare information about the real problems with using the state language and what could be changed in the legislation concerning the activities of the Centre. By January 11 all these recommendation have to be formulated so that they might be presented to the President. January 9 the President is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns to find out how the state language law is observed and how it is implemented in the education - by the means of test books and programs. HoM of the OSCE mission Latvia Peter Semneby is set to report on the situation in Latvia today during the OSCE summit in Vienna.

Latvia risks NATO by ignoring OSCE recommendations. The controversial state language proficiency requirement for Saeima deputy candidates should be lifted because the Presidents special expert group has delved into the Constitution, the Saeima Rules of Order and the Administrative Violations Code and come to the conclusion that status of the Latvian language as the official language in Latvia can be retained without any restrictions in the Election Law. There are problems, however, in putting the law into practice. Therefore, the experts are preparing recommendations by January 7. They also asked the State Language Center to prepare information about the real problems with using the state language and what could be changed in the legislation concerning the activities of the Centre. By January 11 all these recommendation have to be formulated so that they might be presented to the President. January 9 the President is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Education and Science K.Greiskalns to find out how the state language law is observed and how it is implemented in the education - by the means of test books and programs. HoM of the OSCE mission Latvia Peter Semneby is set to report on the situation in Latvia today during the OSCE summit in Vienna. Diena, (full text will follow in the nearest future)

This day might be recorded in history as not the brightest one for national minorities of Latvia. Today in Vienna most likely will be closed the OSCE Mission to Latvia. There are several indirect messages – information that the technical staff of the Mission was recommended to look for a new job and the HoM P.Semneby in his report recommended not to extend the mandate of the Mission because all the tasks in general had been fulfilled. Of course, the decision will not be unanimous, Russia is categorically against closing the Mission; she is supported by several EU countries. Also some CIS countries could vote for extending the mandate. But the majority of OSCE counties will vote for closing. Presence of the Mission here had an important psychological meaning - people knew that nearby was an important international institution that might give a suggestion concerning human rights and sent information about concrete violations to Vienna. From the other side – Latvian politicians knew that their activities have been monitored by international observers with diplomatic passports, and this cooled many hotheads. But every cloud has a silver lining – now national minorities will see how effective is EU in protecting national minority rights. It will be a good test on efficiency of this organisation in a referendum during which also citizens – non-Latvians will have to decide whether Latvia should join EU.

Vesti Segodnya

D.Araja in

Diena writes about the eight years the OSCE Mission operated in Latvia. The tasks, this international organisation charged Latvia, have improved, reaching the level of demands that at the beginning of 90ties even the most liberal minds in Latvia would not dear to think about. Starting with the issues of citizenship, Latvia in co-operation with the OSCE has come to the language, education and society integration issues. In November 2000 under the leadership of OSCE Austrian Presidency were prepared guidelines for closing the Mission but the closing itself, promised in June 2001 was postponed until the end of the year. Now Latvian authorities consider that the guidelines have been fulfilled. (Full text will follow in the nearest future)

Almost a month has passed since Estonian parliament abolished the norm of Estonian language proficiency requirements for parliament and municipality election deputy candidates. The mandatory working language of the parliament and municipalities remains the Estonian language. The first feedback has been received. The majority of the Parliament considers it to be a compliance with the demands of Western democracy, because a deputy, who does not know the state language, does not understand legislative acts and it not able to communicate with his colleagues, cannot participate in the sittings of the Parliament. The Union of Fatherland, one of the ruling parties, which proposed these amendments, considers that abolishing of language proficiency norm is not to high price if the Estonian language priority remains valid. Diena

Diena

columnist A.Ozolins writes about the ambiguous situation in the Peoples Party. While some of its leaders stand solid for preserving restriction in the election law, their representative Minister of Interior M.Seglins proposes to abolish the language law norm stipulating that all documents to be submitted to the court have to be in the Latvian language or with a translation in this language. The Ministry is short of 1.62 Million LVL to translate all the documents that have been submitted in the Russian language. The result is – while some of Peoples Party members struggle in the Saeima against the hypothetical threat that some day there will be elected deputies without the state language knowledge, a ministry lead by their party member struggles for introduction of a real billingualism at least at this ministry because many there do not know the state language but everybody knows the Russian language. columnist A.Ozolins writes about the ambiguous situation in the People’s Party. While some of its leaders stand solid for preserving restriction in the election law, their representative Minister of Interior M.Seglins proposes to abolish the language law norm stipulating that all documents to be submitted to the court have to be in the Latvian language or with a translation in this language. The Ministry is short of 1.62 Million LVL to translate all the documents that have been submitted in the Russian language. The result is – while some of People’s Party members struggle in the Saeima against the hypothetical threat that some day there will be elected deputies without the state language knowledge, a ministry lead by their party member struggles for introduction of a real billingualism at least at this ministry because many there do not know the state language but everybody knows the Russian language. DienaDiena

The Coalition Council unanimously rejected the proposal of the Minister of Interior M.Seglins to ignore the institutions of the Ministry of Interior and prosecutors offices the norm of the state language law envisaging that to translate all materials into the state language before sending them to court. The norm is valid from September last year. MI Department Director R.Eize explained Diena that the proposal was prepared due to lack of financing. To translate all these documents the police and borderguards annually would need about 1.9 million LVL because an official translation of one page costs about 2 LVL. Minister of Justice was categorically against this proposal stating that the state language law had not to be amended just because the Criminal Code allowed usage of not translated documents. The same position had the State Language Center.

The Coalition Council unanimously rejected the proposal of the Minister of Interior M.Seglins to ignore the institutions of the Ministry of Interior and prosecutors offices the norm of the state language law envisaging that to translate all materials into the state language before sending them to court. The norm is valid from September last year. MI Department Director R.Eize explained Diena that the proposal was prepared due to lack of financing. To translate all these documents the police and borderguards annually would need about 1.9 million LVL because an official translation of one page costs about 2 LVL. Minister of Justice was categorically against this proposal stating that the state language law had not to be amended just because the Criminal Code allowed usage of not translated documents. The same position had the State Language Center. Diena

Rigas Balss writes that the new computer readable passports might be introduced in Latvia in the middle of the next. Meanwhile specialists will continue to fight with forged passports, mostly citizen passports. In 90% of forged citizen passports just photo is replaced, more seldom are replaced pages with domicile registration, record on children, etc. Almost nobody forges non-citizen passports. One of the reasons for lingering to introduce new citizen passports is that the Saeima has nor adopted amendments to several laws stipulating what records have to be made in the new passports. It is planned that there will be no information on marriages, divorcing, domicile registration, blood group, etc. This information will be co-ordinated by a few certain state institutions in the Residents Register, Enterprises Register and municipalities. There will be also office passports in black colour issued to civil servants.

Rigas Balss writes that the new computer readable passports might be introduced in Latvia in the middle of the next. Meanwhile specialists will continue to fight with forged passports, mostly citizen passports. In 90% of forged citizen passports just photo is replaced, more seldom are replaced pages with domicile registration, record on children, etc. Almost nobody forges non-citizen passports. One of the reasons for lingering to introduce new citizen passports is that the Saeima has nor adopted amendments to several laws stipulating what records have to be made in the new passports. It is planned that there will be no information on marriages, divorcing, domicile registration, blood group, etc. This information will be co-ordinated by a few certain state institutions in the Residents Register, Enterprises Register and municipalities. There will be also office passports in black colour issued to civil servants.

Last week Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and his Moscow colleague J.Luzhkov signed an agreement on co-operation. S.Tocs in Neatkariga writes about Riga foreign policy, stating that this is a result of this policy, and it makes some politicians jealous. Moscow has similar agreements with Vilnius and Tallinn, and there is no wonder that Moscow residents may buy goods from these countries. And Latvian food-stuffs are well known there and of high demand. On obstacle for Latvian goods to come to the capital of Russia is a lack of normal relations between those two countries. And this agreement between the Mayors is just a pragmatic attempt to establish such normal relations disregarding discord on the foreign policy level. Inexperienced in foreign policy matters Social Democrats and the union For Human Rights in United Latvia have managed things what Latvia’s Way has not managed or did not want to do within eight years. Now this agreement could bring concrete results, but unfortunately the so-called right wingers could use this to accuse Social Democrats o pro-Russian policy.

Last week Riga City Mayor G.Bojars and his Moscow colleague J.Luzhkov signed an agreement on co-operation. S.Tocs in Neatkariga writes about Riga foreign policy, stating that this is a result of this policy, and it makes some politicians jealous. Moscow has similar agreements with Vilnius and Tallinn, and there is no wonder that Moscow residents may buy goods from these countries. And Latvian food-stuffs are well known there and of high demand. On obstacle for Latvian goods to come to the capital of Russia is a lack of normal relations between those two countries. And this agreement between the Mayors is just a pragmatic attempt to establish such normal relations disregarding discord on the foreign policy level. Inexperienced in foreign policy matters Social Democrats and the union For Human Rights in United Latvia have managed things what Latvias Way has not managed or did not want to do within eight years. Now this agreement could bring concrete results, but unfortunately the so-called right wingers could use this to accuse Social Democrats o pro-Russian policy. Neatkariga

A.Vasilyev in

A.Vasilyev in Chas comments the situation when some amendments have been done to the language law but to succeed in implementing these amendments, changes have to be done in many sub-legal acts and should be co-ordinated activities of state institutions. It would be nice if officials could receive help from employees and NGOs financed from national budget and foreign aid. For example – Society Integration Foundation. But it was already criticised in local mass media for its composition. In the Foundation there are no representatives of large NGOs representing non-Latvian part of population but there are four ministers and leaders of the five largest city municipalities. Almost all of them – Latvians.

Yesterday the Riga City Council FF/LNNK faction after examining the agreement on co-operation with Moscow came to a conclusion that articles concerning education policy contradict to the major task of Latvian education – transfer of education to tuition in the Latvian language.

Yesterday the Riga City Council FF/LNNK faction after examining the agreement on co-operation with Moscow came to a conclusion that articles concerning education policy contradict to the major task of Latvian education – transfer of education to tuition in the Latvian language. Chas

D.Gorba, lawyer of the Latvian Human Rights Committee thinks that the large number non-citizens are an obstacle for Latvia to join EU. Therefore Latvian authorities advertise naturalisation as a sells item by a large information campaign. And for the same reason was reduced the state fee for naturalisation. And he gives a proof for this formal approach to this problem. Last week he received a visitor whom DCMA deprived of his status of a resident of Latvia an annulled his residents Register record. Now the person has to face long court procedures. At the same time this candidate for deportation received a colourful booklet advertising the benefits of Latvian citizenship.

Panorama Latvii

Regarding the extension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mandate, the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia Peter Semneby says in an interview in the newspaper "

Regarding the extension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) mandate, the head of the OSCE mission to Latvia Peter Semneby says in an interview in the newspaper "Telegraf" that the mission's task is not to wait for the full implementation of its recommendations in Latvian legislation "including all commas." This week, Semneby is scheduled to report on Latvia's achievements at the OSCE headquarters in Vienna and after that a decision will be made on whether to extend the mandate for one more year. Semneby stresses in the interview that the purpose of the mission is to spotlight problems and the need to tackle them. However, he admitted that these issues can never be solved completely and the mission therefore would have to stay in Latvia "eternally." According to Semneby, if the decision on closure of the mission in Latvia were adopted, it would mean that the mission has concluded its operations there and Latvian politicians would tackle their problems on their own in the future. At the same time, it does not mean that monitoring of the process would be discontinued, because the OSCE high commissioner would continue observation of the situation.

Visiting the TV show “Official point of view” OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby said that the fate of the Mission would be decided after his report on the situation in Latvia to the Permanent Council in Vienna. Speaking about the proposal of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election law Mr.Semneby said that it was a very important problem – it was linked to the basic principles of democracy and human rights. Moreover, if the amendments were not adopted, then the composition of the Saeima and municipalities would not change radically. When asked about presence of any monitoring in Latvia if the Mission were closed and whether radicals would not use this absence, the HoM answered that the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner allowed him to deal with any problem that could arise. In addition now quite serious NGOs existed in Latvia, and the Ambassador did not see any risk to leave the country.

Visiting the TV show Official point of view OSCE Mission to Latvia Head P.Semneby said that the fate of the Mission would be decided after his report on the situation in Latvia to the Permanent Council in Vienna. Speaking about the proposal of the President Vaira Vike-Freiberga to amend the election law Mr.Semneby said that it was a very important problem – it was linked to the basic principles of democracy and human rights. Moreover, if the amendments were not adopted, then the composition of the Saeima and municipalities would not change radically. When asked about presence of any monitoring in Latvia if the Mission were closed and whether radicals would not use this absence, the HoM answered that the mandate of the OSCE High Commissioner allowed him to deal with any problem that could arise. In addition now quite serious NGOs existed in Latvia, and the Ambassador did not see any risk to leave the country. Panorama Latvii

Newspaper

Newspaper Telegraf asked human rights activist, MP B.Cilevich about the situation with human rights in Latvia after the OSCE Mission to Latvia was closed. Mr.Cilevich answered that EU was dealing with human rights solely on the level of political bargaining. Thiis topic now is not reflected in any juridically binding document. Even in the EU Charter on Fundamental Rights there is nothing on national minorities. And the OSCE Mission was the only quality resource of information for many years. And the reason why EU officials did not stand up for the Mission is that they do not need an additional source of headache.

The 5th congress of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK), held at the Riga Congress Center yesterday, passed several resolutions. TB/LNNK believes that the limitations on the language proficiency should be retained for those citizens of Latvia that want to run for Saeima or municipal elections. The statement notes that the existing limitations have given positive results - there is nobody in the Saeima that does not know the Latvian language, however Russian is still the working language in some of the local governments even ten years after the restoration of independence. This is unacceptable from the point of view of observing the rights of the Latvian language. TB/LNNK calls for consistent observance of transition to instruction in the state language by the year 2004, as defined by the legislation.

The 5th congress of the union For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK (TB/LNNK), held at the Riga Congress Center yesterday, passed several resolutions. TB/LNNK believes that the limitations on the language proficiency should be retained for those citizens of Latvia that want to run for Saeima or municipal elections. The statement notes that the existing limitations have given positive results - there is nobody in the Saeima that does not know the Latvian language, however Russian is still the working language in some of the local governments even ten years after the restoration of independence. This is unacceptable from the point of view of observing the rights of the Latvian language. TB/LNNK calls for consistent observance of transition to instruction in the state language by the year 2004, as defined by the legislation. LETA

No self-criticism at "Fatherlanders'" congress. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians spoke of the party’s hopeful future by reminding of the party’s good work so far and by encouraging statements during the TB/LNNK congress on Saturday, says Diena. Maris Grinblats was again convincingly elected the party’s chairman, Vladimirs Makarovs and Janis Straume became his deputies. During the congress, TB/LNNK board was also elected, where party’s regional offices are now represented on a greater scale, which means that TB/LNNK’s work is becoming more active in regions. Diena adds that there was no heated political debates at the congress. NRA and

No self-criticism at "Fatherlanders'" congress. For Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK politicians spoke of the partys hopeful future by reminding of the partys good work so far and by encouraging statements during the TB/LNNK congress on Saturday, says Diena. Maris Grinblats was again convincingly elected the partys chairman, Vladimirs Makarovs and Janis Straume became his deputies. During the congress, TB/LNNK board was also elected, where partys regional offices are now represented on a greater scale, which means that TB/LNNKs work is becoming more active in regions. Diena adds that there was no heated political debates at the congress. NRA and Chas say that the congresss main theme was protection of the state language and national interests, which means that the "Fatherlanders" have therefore privatised the niche of national policy. Whereas VZ says that there was a rather depressing atmosphere the congress, which is most likely due to the partys low rating and concerns about its chances at the eighth Saeima elections. Diena, Neatkariga, Chas, Vesti Segodnya

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins is optimistic that Tuesday’s decision on the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be favourable for Latvia even without amending the election law. One may hope for it because Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines; it will be also stated in the report the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. Prime Minister expressed his conviction on Saturday after the meeting of the heads of EU states and governments.

Latvian Prime Minister A.Berzins is optimistic that Tuesdays decision on the future of the OSCE Mission to Latvia will be favourable for Latvia even without amending the election law. One may hope for it because Latvia has fulfilled all the guidelines; it will be also stated in the report the Head of the OSCE Mission to Latvia P.Semneby. Prime Minister expressed his conviction on Saturday after the meeting of the heads of EU states and governments. Diena

There have not been any concrete results of the Riga City Council delegation to Moscow – this was the conclusion of the Riga City mayor G.Bojars.

There have not been any concrete results of the Riga City Council delegation to Moscow – this was the conclusion of the Riga City mayor G.Bojars. Diena, Neatkariga